Benedict Gives Final Blessing Says God called him to a life of prayer By Polly Davis Doig, Newser Staff Posted Feb 24, 2013 5:55 AM CST 20 comments Comments Nuns pray prior to Pope Benedict XVI's last Angelus noon prayer, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013. The last chance for a Sunday blessing from Benedict is drawing a crowd. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) View 3 more images (Newser) – Pope Benedict has given his final Sunday blessing as pontiff from his window on St. Peter's Square, telling thousands of cheering well-wishers that "in prayer, we will always be close," reports the BBC. The pope, who steps down on Thursday, said in his final Angelus address that he's "not abandoning the church," but rather will continue to serve it in a way "more suitable to my age and strength," adds the AP. "Thank you for your affection," he told the crowd. Benedict's final public appearance comes Wednesday with his weekly appearance (Read more Pope Benedict XVI stories.) View 3 more images My Take on This Story Report a story error Show results without voting | 18% Hilarious 9% Intriguing 24% Depressing 18% Brilliant 6% Scary 26% Ridiculous
